Shared resources key to Lorne and Otway Health success

LORNE Community Hospital and Otway Health have strengthened ties vowing to share resources and explore potential partnership for future health initiatives.

Lorne Community Hospital and Otway Health chief executive officer Kate Gillan said the organisations were committed to building a strong health care system.

“Our communities are responding to challenges faced by regional and rural health services, so it’s important to ensure we build a strong health system for the future,” Ms gillan said.

The boards of management for Lorne Community Hospital and Otway Health formally committed to exploring further opportunities for sharing of resources and potential partnership in new health initiatives.

Ms gillan said this would build on a strong recent history of successful collaboration between the two health services, such as a shared chief executive officer, social worker, exercise physiology, project coordinator, post-bushfire mental health services in Wye River and Separation Creek, and common involvement in a grant to support chronic illness.

“The communities of Lorne and Apollo Bay belong to isolated coastal villages on a busy tourist route with extreme seasonal population shifts. As a result, face similar challenges relating to accessibility and range of services available, and sustainability of highly qualified staff,” Ms Gillan said.

“The boards are optimistic that a considered review of the two health services will reveal opportunities for future-proofing services through robust sustainability initiatives, and an increased range of services available to both communities.”

Ms gillan said an independent report will be used to ensure the review is objective in identifying opportunities and making recommendations.

“Both boards are committed to transparency and openness with their communities and if the review is encouraging about areas of collaboration then the input of both communities will be sought,” Ms Gillan said.